Actions are stronger than words. And it's these actions of your partner's that are speaking to you and telling you that he is definitely a keeper.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 18, 2020. It has since been updated.
When it comes to relationships, we're constantly bombarded with advice about our partner from friends, family and sometimes relatives who barely know us. No matter how long you've been together, there's always someone who has an opinion on it. Sometimes they're right and sometimes they're not. But all of it is confusing and amidst that is your own mind analyzing every possible issue and advice given to you.
However, there is a way to be completely certain that your partner is "the one" you've been searching for. And it's all in the little things he does. Because when he does these seven things, it means that he's in it for the long haul.
You know he truly cares when he genuinely listens to your problems, frustrations, and excitement. His interest in your life means that he wants to be involved so that at least he can find a way to ease your stress and burden. Not to mention, it's his chance to actually help you with whatever you're dealing with so that you know you can count on him to help you.
Coming home after a long day or running around all the time finishing off errands is exhausting for anyone and yet you manage to do it. But it never hurts to have someone share the responsibilities and that's what he does. He takes it upon himself to complete certain tasks like getting the kids into bed or buying the groceries so that you have a chance you put your feet up and relax.
When you come home in a cranky or exhausted mood, the last thing you need is to have a fight with your partner. While sometimes the frustrations can come out as anger, you know you don't have to worry about your partner being offended because he understands what you're going through. In fact, he even does some of the silliest things just to get you to let out a small smile. It certainly does brighten your day.
He is your pillar of support. You know that at the end of the day, even if the world is against you, he'll be there to support. However, if he did that blindly, it would have been disappointing because then you would know that he is just doing it for your sake and not because he believes in you. That's why you love when he's not afraid to be honest about his opinions and chooses to play Devil's advocate so that you can see both sides of an argument before you make a decision.
You both can fight like cats and dogs but you will never go to sleep mad at each other. And that's because of his need to discuss what issues you both have. While at times it can be annoying because you might just not want to speak, you understand that his insistence is what keeps both of you from having misunderstandings. The anger that you have is like a bright flame that is extinguished because both of you are willing to douse it.
For a lot of long-term couples, boredom can set in. Both of you will just glance at each other or go about your chores without saying a word. But with him, it's like every time is the first time. The moment you walk into his line of sight, his eyes twinkle with love and mischief. He's almost immediately up and about trying to hug you or just be next to you. The love in his eyes never seems to dim.
Dates. Flowers. Chocolates. Romantic vacation. Walks on the beach. Holding hands as you walk. This man who doesn't show much of this romantic side to anyone wants to make sure you get the full experience. He might not say the three words out loud, but when he puts in the effort to make you feel special almost every single day, he's telling just how much of his heart you have taken.
Sometimes all you need is your gut and to watch out for these small things that don't seem like much but actually speak volumes. And if you have such a man in your life, hold on tight and never let go of him.
